Fog!

[Mullerstraße]

Hi folks,

I had my first experience of cycling in thick fog this morning, i suppose it was good to get some experience of cycling in that type of weather under my belt. However, it did make me wonder about visibility. I currently ride with two front and two rear lights, one constant and one flashing. In these conditions would I best switching to all lights flashing. I ask this as I seen a couple of cyclists out this morning and their flashing lights seemed to be pretty effective in catching my attention.

Anyway, would be great to hear of what others do in similar conditions.

Cheers

 

[lejogger]

I have 2 rear smart 1 watt lights which I always set both to flash regardless of conditions on the commute. I'm satisfied that they make me visible in all weather conditions. Only exceptions would probably be the height of summer when visibility is always good that I'd not bother having them on. Many on this site are advocates of Volvo-style 'lights-on' for riding at any time of day and any weather condition. It gives you that added bit of confidence that the car waiting at the side road has definitely seen you and won't be pulling out.
A good pair of reflective overshoes help a lot too. (Not sure about these in fog specifically though)

 

[Matthew_T]

I saw a thick blanket of it when I looked out of the window in college this morning. its gone now and has been replaced with slight sleet.

Still hasnt snowed in North Wales yet though.

 

[Maz]

If the fog is thick enough and I notice it soon enough, I will turn back home and take the car instead. Part of my commute is on a 70 dual-carriageway.

 

[Gez73]

Two static front lights on handlebars and a flashing front light on my helmet. Flashing rear light on rucksack cover, flashing small helmet light and a static on my saddlebag. Reflective rucksack cover too and reflective velcro ankle straps. Can't say I've cycled in very foggy conditions lately. Most of my commute is lit by street-lights too.

 

[kishan]

static rear light and static front headlight, i hate people who have it flashing at night let alone in fog itsdangerious and blinding lol

 

[Arjimlad]

In fog a head mounted light is a nightmare because it whites out right in front of your eyes, I find. Better to have a flashing light on the handlebars. When driving in fog, I avoid using full beam for this reason as well.

 

[gaz]

A very bright solid rear light for me.
It allows for tracking of position much easier than a flashing light.

 

[niggle]

A very bright solid rear light for me.
It allows for tracking of position much easier than a flashing light.

Something like this then? These are superb in fog, but too bright for a some uses, e.g. group riding:

A Magicshine MJ818 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MagicShin...isure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item1e685ff62c Needs a suitable Li ion battery pack as well.

 

[Matthew_T]

Took the brother to his local theatrical group 15 miles away (didnt cycle). We had to use country roads and the A55 to get their (Mold). On the way their my dad (driving) always had his normal lights on. He put the full beam on once or twice but was just blinded.

I havent been in fog with my new front light yet but suspect it will do the same. I can see the beam in wet conditions already.

 

[gaz]

Took the brother to his local theatrical group 15 miles away (didnt cycle). We had to use country roads and the A55 to get their (Mold). On the way their my dad (driving) always had his normal lights on. He put the full beam on once or twice but was just blinded.

I havent been in fog with my new front light yet but suspect it will do the same. I can see the beam in wet conditions already.

Why didn't he put his fog lights on?

 

[Matthew_T]

Why didn't he put his fog lights on?

He had them on (well the one working) but tested the full beam to see if it made any difference (country roads at night in thick fog is a bit dark).

 

[G-Zero]

He had them on (well the one working) but tested the full beam to see if it made any difference (country roads at night in thick fog is a bit dark).

If dipped beam and foglights are insufficient illumination in those conditions, a slower speed helps a lot

 

[Nigel-YZ1]

It seems to be the norm these days for people to use fog lights when it gets dark. Totally pointless, but light seems to be the new motoring arms race.
Perhaps it's due to some car adverts calling them 'driving lights'.

 

[cyberknight]

3 rear lights on flash with a front flasher and a front main beam , no close passes .